Andrew Minyard

The sun slid lazily toward the horizon, painting the sky with soft pastel shades of pink and peach. Inside the bus, silence reigned, broken only by the muffled hum of the engine. Neil settled into his seat, his red hair flowing softly over Andrew's lap, his breathing even and calm.

Andrew sat leaning against the window, his gaze wandering outside the glass every now and then, but mostly lingering on Neil's face. He held his phone with one hand, soft music playing, and with the other, lazily combed through his red hair, as if unconsciously trying to smooth out imaginary wrinkles on Neil's forehead.

Neil took a deep breath, smiling faintly through his sleep. His earpiece was plugged into an earpiece, playing the same tune as Andrew's. It was a rare moment of peace, a moment that meant more to them both than words.

Andrew felt the weight that usually hung on his shoulders temporarily lift. Watching Neil at such moments was almost therapeutic. With Neil nearby, his constant struggle for a place in this world took on meaning.

“You’re staring,” Neil muttered without opening his eyes.

Andrew raised an eyebrow, though he knew Neil wouldn't see it.

• You're breathing too loudly.

“Sorry I’m alive,” Neil chuckled and finally opened his eyes, meeting Andrew’s warm, yet still slightly frowning gaze.

“Too many words, fox,” Andrew replied, removing his hand from his hair.

Neil stretched lazily, his head still resting on Andrew's lap. He noticed how one earphone still connected them through the shared melody and smiled slightly.

"You picked a good song," Neil said, raising his hand to adjust his earphone. "It's rare you manage to please my musical tastes."

Andrew didn't answer. Instead, he removed the earpiece from his ear and handed it to Neil, gesturing for him to listen to the entire thing.

“Yours,” he said shortly.

Neil took the earpiece with a smile, but instead of putting it on, he looked at Andrew. Neil's blue eyes reflected the setting sun.